Bye-Bye Benders: TJ Science Olympiad Sees Coaching Shift

After years of steering Thomas Jefferson's Science Olympiad team to victory, Rich Bender and Carol Haller have stepped down. Their retirement means more free time, but it also leaves a big gap in the world of middle school science competition. They've been the brains behind 31 straight state titles and two national wins. Imagine leaving a job after decades and knowing you've left an incredible mark. That's what Bender and Haller are doing. The duo has been at the helm for over 30 years, mixing science with the thrill of competition. They've mentored hundreds of kids, many who've gone on to careers in science and engineering. Coaching wasn't just a job; it was a passion. Bender and Haller worked like a well-oiled machine, Bender as the strategy whiz, Haller making sure everything ran smoothly.Bender started the program in 1986, and Haller joined him the next year. Their goal? To win more than four state titles. They surpassed that dream and won big, like the time they faced a setback at state and still managed to secure a spot for nationals. They turned Science Olympiad into a tradition at TJ, a place where kids could shine and grow. But all good things come to an end. Health issues forced Haller to retire in May, and Bender followed, finding it hard to maintain the high standard without his partner. Kate Sanders, a former team member, is now taking the reins. It's a new era for TJ's Science Olympiad, and while the Benders' legacy is hard to match, Sanders has big shoes to fill.